A Doctorate of Nursing Practice is an advanced degree that focuses on improving service delivery through the application of evidence-based solutions. It can lead to a rewarding career in advanced nursing practice, as well as leadership, education, and public health, to name a few.
Some programs accept BSN graduates, while some are only available to nurses with a Master’s degree. Regardless of your educational attainment, you may complete your DNP coursework online. Here are 33 universities that offer such programs:
Baylor University
- Waco, Texas
Credit Hours: 38-75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,150 per credit for 38-75 credits – $43,700 to $86,250 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Named by US News and World Report as one of the top 10% DNP Schools, Baylor University offers a pathway for both BSN and MSN degree holders. Available tracks for aspiring nurse practitioners include FNP, NNP, PNP, AGACNP, and PMHNP. Specializations in Nurse-Midwifery and Executive Nurse Leadership are offered as well.
Bradley University
- Peoria, Illinois
Credit Hours: 32-68
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,090 per credit for 32-68 credits – $34,880 to $74,120 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Bradley’s online DNP is for BSN and MSN-level nurses who wish to enhance their clinical knowledge and expertise. With its flexible learning format, it is suitable for working RNs who want to pursue a specialization in AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, or PMHNP. The Leadership track, meanwhile, is exclusive to post-master’s students.
Capella University
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Credit Hours: 52 (quarter credits)
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $32,000 (tuition cap) plus other fees
Program Overview:
Capella’s online DNP is available to nurses with an MSN degree. With its FlexPath format, students may enroll in as many courses as they can in 12 weeks. Its GuidedPath format, meanwhile, requires the completion of 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter. The curriculum consists of 9 courses and 4 doctoral projects, with a focus on key topics such as healthcare policy development, patient advocacy, and reform.
Chamberlain University
- Addison, Illinois
Credit Hours: 32-40
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $806 per credit for 32 to 40 credits – $25,792 to $32,240 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Chamberlain’s online DNP is for master’s degree holders who wish to take their nursing career to the next level. With an average class size of 13 students, enrollees are given personalized advising support and a customized practicum experience. Students may specialize in any of the 3 elective focus areas offered, namely Healthcare Systems Leadership, Educational Leadership, and Advanced Practice Leadership.
Creighton University
- Omaha, Nebraska
Credit Hours: 69-74
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,000 per credit for 69-74 credits – $69,000 to $74,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Characterized as a high-touch online program, Creighton’s part-time and full-time DNP curriculum is imbued with Jesuit principles. BSN or MSN to DNP tracks are available, both of which could lead to specializations in AGACNP, FNP, NNP, PMHNP, and Pediatric Acute and Primary Care NP (dual degree). DNP students may also focus on Nursing Administration & Leadership.
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Credit Hours: 45
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $804 per credit for 45 credits – $36,180 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Drexel’s online DNP is open to BSN degree holders and Master’s degree holders (Nursing or otherwise.) Students may take the Advanced Clinical Expert track and become a Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Anesthetist. An Executive/Leadership track is also offered. With Drexel’s program arranged into four 10-week quarters, students may complete more courses at an accelerated pace.
East Tennessee State University
- Johnson City, Tennessee
Credit Hours: 82-86
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $772.50 per credit for 82-86 credits – $62,345 to $66,435 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Named as one of the country’s top 100 DNP programs by US News & World Report, ETSU’s online DNP program is ideal for nurses who wish to address the special needs of various populations. Students may choose the Nursing/Healthcare Leadership track, or opt for the nurse practitioner track in any of the following fields: family, psychiatric, or adult-gerontology primary care nursing.
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, Florida
Credit Hours: 41-79
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes (waiver available)
Resident tuition: $18,700 to $24,000 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $45,150 to $78,475 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Ranked as the best DNP program in Florida and 26th-best overall in the country, FSU is known for its advanced competency curriculum taught by expert faculty members. Enrollees may choose to pursue advanced practice tracks in FNP, AGACNP, or PMHNP, or they may foray into specializations such as Executive Health Systems Leadership and Lifestyle Medicine.
Georgetown University
- Washington DC
Credit Hours: 30
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $2,358 per credit for 30 credits – $70,740 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Georgetown’s distance-based program is available for BSN graduates, APRNs, and those with other master’s degrees. The BSN to DNP track, which is a full-time pursuit that may be completed in 33 months, can lead to an FNP, AGACNP, WHNP, or a combined nurse-midwife/WHNP certification. The post-masters program may be completed on a part-time basis. Both programs are offered in 15-week terms.
Hawai’i Pacific University
- Honolulu, Hawaii
Credit Hours: 30 (MSN to DNP), 72-75 (BSN to DNP)
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $30,750 plus other fees (MSN to DNP), $73,800 to $76,875 plus other fees (BSN to DNP)
Program Overview:
HPU’s online DNP is a practice-based program that grooms nurses into APRNs specializing in either family, psychiatric-mental health, or adult-gerontology acute care nursing. Students may opt for any of the two tracks available, namely BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP. Students enrolled on a full-time basis may complete the former track in 34 months, while the latter may be finished in 20 months.
Indiana State University
- Terre Haute, Indiana
Credit Hours: 37
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $601 per credit for 37 credits – $22,237 plus other fees
Program Overview:
As a post-master’s program, Indiana State’s online DNP is suitable for RNs who want to lead and improve their respective healthcare organizations. To graduate, students must complete the 37-credit online coursework and a scholarly project. There’s also the 1000-hour clinical requirement, 650 of which may be waived for APRNs.
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, Virginia
Credit Hours: 41
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $595 per credit for full-time study, $650 per credit for part-time study – $24,395 to $26,650 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Available to MSN graduates, Liberty’s online DNP follows a curriculum set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Courses cover topics in healthcare operations, nursing research, and clinical prevention, to name a few. With these, the program can readily provide students with the theoretical, clinical, and administrative acumen they need to become effective leaders and practitioners.
Madonna University
- Livonia, Michigan
Credit Hours: 33
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,070 per credit for 33 credits – $35,310 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Madonna’s online DNP is for master’s degree holders who wish to achieve the highest level of nursing practice. The program explores key concepts in research, financial management, and health policy analysis, all of which are crucial for honing the next generation of nurse leaders. The university also offers DNP programs with NP specialization tracks, though they have to be taken on campus.
Maryville University
- Town and Country, Missouri
Credit Hours: 12-21
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $61,456 – $69,223 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Maryville’s BSN to DNP program features an accelerated curriculum that may be completed in 40 months. Learning can be completely done online as there are no required campus visits. Furthermore, students may enroll during any of the three entry points each year. The program offers five concentration tracks namely, AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, PNP, and PMHNP.
Monmouth University
- West Long Branch, New Jersey
Credit Hours: 36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,195 per credit for 36 credits – $43,020 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Monmouth’s online DNP is created for Masters-graduate RNs who want to improve their organizational and systems leadership skills. The six semesters’ worth of didactic coursework covers crucial healthcare leadership concepts, including health economics, policy, and systems leadership, to name a few. Classes commence every summer and fall.
Ohio State University
- Columbus, Ohio
Credit Hours: 36 (post-masters), 72 (BSN to DNP)
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,158 per credit for 36 or 72 credits – $41,688 or $83,376 plus other fees
Program Overview:
OSU’s DNP program is for nurses who want to become experts in applying research into practice. Its BSN to DNP track may be completed in 3-4 years, while its post-master’s curriculum may be finished in 2-3 years. Tracks available include FNP, NNP, PMHNP, and Nurse Anesthesia. Courses are delivered online, although students may need to visit the campus for some assessments and projects.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
- Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Credit Hours: 36 (post-masters), 54 (BSN to DNP)
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $20,656 (post-master’s), $44,409 (BSN to DNP)
Program Overview:
With pathways for BSN and MSN graduates, Oklahoma Wesleyan’s online DNP is apt for experienced nurses who want to elevate their careers in as little as two years. BSN to DNP students may specialize in Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, or Informatics, while post-master’s students can pursue the Executive Leadership track.
Regis University
- Denver, Colorado
Credit Hours: 28-33
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,018 per credit for 28-33 credits – $28,504 to $33,594 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Aimed to help nurses broaden their career opportunities, Regis’ online DNP program comes in 8-week terms. Its APRN component, which comes with tracks in family, neonatal, and psychiatric mental health nursing, may be completed in 6-9 semesters (2-3 years.) Practice hour requirements range from 600 hours for those with MSN degrees to 1,000 hours for BSN graduates.
Spalding University
- Louisville, Kentucky
Credit Hours: 36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $800 per credit for 36 credits – $28,800 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Available to master degree holders and APRNs, Spalding’s online DNP is for nurses who want to become influential leaders and practitioners. The program consists of 30 hours of core DNP coursework, coupled with 6 hours of specialty education. With its rolling admissions and eight-week sessions, Spalding provides nurses with the opportunity to finish their degree in as short as 13 months.
Spring Arbor University
- Spring Arbor, Michigan
Credit Hours: n/a
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $859 per credit
Program Overview:
In 20 months, MSN-educated nurses can get their DNP in Strategic Leadership from Spring Arbor University. This is made possible by the school’s flexible schedule, small class sizes, and two entry dates per year. With its 7-week courses and 1-week breaks, students can work full-time while pursuing graduate education.
University of Arizona
- Tucson, Arizona
Credit Hours: 35
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,053 per credit for 35 credits – $36,855 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Named the top 19 DNP program by US News and World Report, the University of Arizona’s online doctorate program is open to BSN and MSN graduates. Specializations offered include FNP, PNP, PMHNP, Nurse-Midwifery, Nurse-Anesthesiology, and Executive Health Systems Leadership. Regardless of the track, lessons are delivered through a mixture of online coursework, on-campus intensive programs, and clinical placements.
University of Connecticut
- Storrs, Connecticut
Credit Hours: 32-38 (post-masters), 72-82 (BSN to DNP)
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,200 per credit for 32-82 credits – $38,400 to $98,400 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Ranked as the top 40 DNP program by the US News and World Report, UConn provides nurses with two pathways to achieve their terminal degree. Both the BSN to DNP and post-master’s tracks may lead to a certification in either AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, or NNP. A concentration in Nursing Administration & Leadership is available as well.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, Louisiana
Credit Hours: 39
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $480 per credit for 39 credits – $18,720 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UL-Lafayette’s post-MSN DNP program provides advanced-level education in the fields of health policy, organizational leadership, and evidence-based practice. With services such as 24/7 online tutoring, a dedicated enrollment specialist, and a student resource center, students are sure to receive personalized support throughout their schooling.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Amherst, Massachusetts
Credit Hours: 63-79
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes (waiver available)
Tuition: $825 per credit for 63-79 credits – $51,975 to $65,175 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Named by Nursing School Hub as one of the best DNP programs, UMass Amherst’s online DNP is for nurses who wish to reach the highest level of clinical expertise. The post-baccalaureate track paves the way for FNP, PMHNP, and Public Health Nurse Leader study concentrations, while the post-masters program is for certified APRNs who wish to apply research-backed care into the clinical setting.
University of Nevada-Reno
- Reno, Nevada
Credit Hours: 30 (MSN to DNP), 63-72 (BSN to DNP)
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $810 per credit for 31 credits – $25,920 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Open to BSN and MSN holders, UN-R’s DNP program includes online coursework with some campus visits for BSN to DNP students. The university offers several NP specialization tracks, namely AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, PMHNP, and PNP. Students may also pursue a Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership or Clinical Education Leadership track. The program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.
University of New Hampshire
- Durham, New Hampshire
Credit Hours: 21-33
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $800 per credit for 21-33 credits – $16,800 to $26,400 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $880 per credit for 21-33 credits – $18,480 to $29,040 plus other fees
Program Overview:
With a course load that may be completed in 18-28 months, UNH’s online DNP is ideal for master’s-educated nurses who wish to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills. Courses are offered in 8-week terms, thus allowing working nurses to plan their study schedules. A total of 1,000 practicum hours is required, though the 500 hours earned during one’s master’s studies will be credited.
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
Credit Hours: 37
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $815.50 per credit for 37 credits – $30,173.50 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UND’s post-master’s DNP program is made for nurses who want to lead healthcare organizations through their many challenges. This is made possible through a curriculum outlined with core courses and leadership topics, all of which may be completed in five semesters. Lessons are delivered through posted lectures, modules, videos, and online simulations.
University of Phoenix
- Phoenix, Arizona
Credit Hours: 31
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $810 per credit for 31 credits – $25,920 plus other fees
Program Overview:
With its 11 core courses, the University of Phoenix’s DNP program is made for nurses who want to advance their careers. The curriculum explores the key concepts of nursing practice, such as healthcare policy and regulation, organizational and systems leadership, and healthcare delivery technology. Applying to the program is free of charge.
University of Texas at Arlington
- Arlington, Texas
Credit Hours: 36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes (waived for master’s degree holders)
Tuition: $23,760 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UTA’s online DNP is created for APRNs and masters-educated nurses who wish to improve health outcomes through the application of evidence-based findings. This is made possible through classes in research, healthcare systems, and policy, to name a few. With its asynchronous, accelerated coursework and multiple start dates, students may complete their degree in 27-36 months.
Walden University
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Credit Hours: 45 (quarter credits)
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $37,250 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Walden’s DNP is a team-based, interdisciplinary program available to BSN and MSN degree holders. Nurses who want to become NPs may pursue the AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, PNP, or PMHNP track. As for those who wish to delve into Nursing Administration, a specialization track in Executive Leadership is available as well. Walden offers a Practicum Pledge that enables students to gain access to the school’s huge network of practicum sites and preceptors.
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, North Carolina
Credit Hours: 34
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $7,520.28 per term plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $12,879.78 per term plus other fees
Program Overview:
Open to APRNs, administrators, and community health nurses, WCU’s online DNP is for nursing professionals who wish to enhance their clinical knowledge even further. As such, the program focuses on courses in policy, scholarship, and healthcare innovation. Full-time students may obtain their degree in 4 semesters, while part-timers can finish their DNP course load in 7.
Wichita State University
- Wichita, Kansas
Credit Hours: 29
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $326.15 per credit for 29 credits – $9,458.35 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Open to RNs with an MSN, Wichita State’s online MSN to DNP (individual/family focus) is a cohort program that admits qualified students once a year. Enrollees may complete their 29-unit online coursework in 2-3 years. The university also offers on-campus DNP programs with specializations in AGACNP, FNP, and PMHNP.
Wilkes University
- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Credit Hours: 30
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,025 per credit for 30 credits – $30,750 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The Wilkes DNP is an accelerated, focused program that allows post-master’s nurses to obtain a doctorate in less than two years. The curriculum consists of 10 courses, with topics focused on Nursing Informatics, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology, to name a few. The required clinical hours vary according to the student’s prior coursework.